Ribeira Sacra e Canón do Sil

Route of the Monasteries

Route of the Monasteries

Shores of the River Sil

We will begin our trip either in Monforte or in Ourense. We will take state road N-120 and once we reach Os Peares, we will drive along the service road for the dams, along the shores of the River Sil. This road was built by the hydroelectric companies and is a private road; however, private vehicles are allowed to drive on it. Further to driving at the same level as the river, the road begins its ascent towards Luíntra. Prior to reaching the town, there is a detour on the right that leads to the monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil. The monastery is currently owned by the network of state-run tourist hotels (Paradores), but the three cloisters, the church, and an interpretation centre located on the ground floor may be visited free of charge.

Parada de Sil

We will go back and take the main road from Luíntra to Parada de Sil. At the entrance of the town there is a detour on the left that will lead us to the monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil, along a paved road. If we go back to Parada de Sil (where we can enjoy the views from the magnificent vantage point of Balcóns de Madrid), we will take the road to Vilariño Frío through Hedrada, in the junction with the old regional road from Ourense to Ponferrada.

Our next destination is the monastery of Santa María de Montederramo, a section of which was converted into a school. To reach Montederramo, we will need to drive a few kilometres in the direction of Trives, after which we will take a local road, on the right, leading to Montederramo and the Sierra de San Mamede.

To Ourense

If we go back and take the old regional road, toward Ourense this time, we will drive through Vilariño Frío and the Alto do Rodicio, from where we will be able to enjoy grand views over the valley of Maceda. In our descent, we will take a detour on the right leading to Xunqueira de Espadanedo, and visit its monastery.

San Pedro de Rocas is the next place of interest, in the town of Esgos. This is a valuable group that will captivate visitors due to the communion of the rural element and the historic heritage, which bear witness to the early monks who settled in these lands, and whose graves were carved in the rock. We will then return to the regional road, cross the town of Esgos and take the detour on the right, which will lead us directly to that special place of historic interest.